U.S. Under-16 Men's National Team Defeats Palo Alto 3-1 in Second Game of Dallas Cup

NewsApr 15, 2003

DALLAS (April 15, 2003) - The U.S. Under-16 Men’s National Team got their first win of the Dallas Cup with a 3-1 victory over the Palo Alto Gold Crew on Tuesday afternoon. Second half substitute Christian Jimenez nailed two free kicks to keep the U.S. in the hunt to advance out of Bracket G of the U-17 Group. The U.S. sits in second place behind the Dallas Texans, who also have four points, but have a better goal differential.

The U.S. to had fight against a strong wind in the first half, which played havoc with through balls sent from the back and midfield. Despite the conditions, the United States was able to get an early lead when Michael Bradley finished with his head after a great cross from the left wing by midfielder Jay Singh in the 7th minute.

The lead was short lived though, as Palo Alto was able to strike back under a minute later, catching the U.S. defense off guard on a quick throw-in that was flicked on to midfielder Alex Ruck, who blasted home the equalizer.

In the second half, the U.S. controlled most of the play with the wind at its back, changing to a 3-5-2 formation as defensive starter Julian Valentin went out with an injury. Six minutes in, Jimenez collected a ball near the top of the penalty area and beat his defender, who pulled him down from behind, just outside the 18-yard box. On the ensuing free kick, Jimenez placed the ball around the wall and into the top right of the net for the game-winning goal.

In the 66th minute, Jimenez struck again from a set piece almost in the exact same spot, after Robbie Rogers was fouled from behind. This time though, Jimenez blasted the ball past the wall and into the lower left-hand side of the goal, making it virtually impossible for the keeper to reach.

After two games, Bradley and Jimenez have all six of the goals for the U.S., with each player scoring three. All three goals by Jimenez have been from free kicks, while two of Bradley’s were penalty kicks in the first game.

“The guys came out and played a real good game, despite the fact the conditions weren’t as favorable as you’d like,” head coach John Ellington said. “With one game left in group play we are looking to get another victory and hopefully advance to the next round.”

The U.S. Under-16 Men’s National Team closes out group play against Yahara United Premier (Wisconsin) on Wednesday at 2 p.m. CT. After the U.S. match, the Dallas Texans, the current Bracket G leaders, will face Palo Alto at 4 p.m. CT. If the Texans win, the U.S. will need to have a better goal differential to advance to the next round.